Date Presented 03/21/24
Refugees are often afflicted by a number of circumstances that affect their mental and physical health. This study promotes the awareness of the biopsychosocial impact of forced migration, which may affect participation, life quality, and well-being.
Primary Author and Speaker: Mohammad Nazzal
Additional Authors and Speakers: Roya Dalgamouni
Contributing Authors: Alaa Oteir, Alham Al-Sharman, Hanan Khalil, Ayat Nashwan, Ghada Shahrour
PURPOSE: to explore the prevalence of mental health symptoms and explore their associated factors among Syrian refugees in Jordan.
DESIGN: A cross sectional correlational design was utilized.
METHOD: A sample of 200 Syrian refugees was recruited from northern cities in Jordan. Data included a structured demographic questionnaire, as well as the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), The World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS-2), and the Social Functioning Scale (SFS).
RESULTS: The study found that the level of depression, anxiety, and stress among Syrian refugees in Jordan was high; 65.5% of participants met the criteria for depression, 64% for anxiety, and 61% for stress. The multiple regression analyses have revealed that, having ‘participation in society’ problems will increase the presence of depression and stress. ‘Understanding and communicating’ problem was a predictor for depression, anxiety, and stress. Furthermore, increasing the ‘getting along with people’ problem will increase the level of depression and anxiety, while having ‘independence-performance’ problems and the presence of hypertension were significant predictors for higher anxiety levels only. Finally, participants with perceived sleep problems, are most likely to have anxiety and stress.
CONCLUSION: The study indicated that prevalence rates of mental health problems among Syrian refugees in Jordan were significantly high. Also, the study revealed a variety of factors that can predict mental health, including depression, anxiety, and stress. Therapists working with the refugees’ population must be aware of the biopsychosocial impact of forced migration on this population which in turn affects participation, quality of life and wellbeing. Promotion of mental health and psychosocial support for refugees must be integrated within an overall health strategy programming and policy in Jordan.
References
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